The Los Angeles City Council will convene on Tuesday to discuss the election of a new president pro tempore. This position became vacant after Curren Price stepped down following charges of embezzlement, perjury, and conflict of interest. The motion, brought forward by Council President Paul Krekorian, proposes holding an election at the next council meeting and nominating Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson for the position.
Price announced his decision to step down as council president pro tem and relinquish all committee assignments after his recent charges. In a letter to Krekorian, Price stated, “While I navigate through the judicial system to defend my name against unwarranted charges filed against me, the last thing I want to do is be a distraction to the people’s business.”
District Attorney George Gascón, commenting on the charges against Price, emphasized that they resulted from a comprehensive investigation into allegations of public corruption. “This alleged conduct undermines the integrity of our government and erodes the public’s trust in our elected officials,” stated Gascón.
The charges against Price allege that he cast votes on projects involving developers linked to his wife’s consulting firm. Additionally, he is accused of embezzling funds by having the city cover his now-wife’s medical insurance premiums while still being married to his first wife at that time.
A motion to suspend Price will also be under consideration. The initial step for this motion will be in the council’s Rules Committee, before proceeding to a full council vote.
Price joins a list of Los Angeles city officials who have faced legal or political dilemmas. Former council members Jose Huizar and Mitch Englander have both pleaded guilty to federal charges in recent years. Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas was also convicted earlier this year on federal charges for engaging in vote trading during his tenure on the county Board of Supervisors.
Former City Council President Nury Martinez resigned last year after being recorded engaging in a racially charged conversation with two other council members and a county labor official regarding the council’s redistricting process.
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